Skiing and snowboarding from Klosters means stepping onto terrain that feels expansive and uncrowded. Between the five ski areas, there's terrain to match every mood, from technical challenges on the Parsenn to gentle exploration on Madrisa. The variety here is one of the Davos Klosters area's greatest strengths.

The Gotschna gondola takes you up into the Parsenn area, which is the largest sector where long descents and wide-open terrain give you that satisfying sense of covering real ground. Snow at the mountain’s higher elevations is dependable, and the north-facing aspects hold their condition well into the afternoon. Madrisa, on the other side of the village, has a completely different personality. It's sunny, family-friendly, and quiet, with long cruising runs and a relaxed atmosphere.

Skiing for beginners in Klosters

First-time skiers at Klosters should head to the Madrisa sector first. You’ll find a nursery area at the top of the gondola which is gentle, sheltered, and well away from faster traffic. The surroundings are stunning, which helps make the learning process enjoyable rather than stressful.

Once you've found your feet, long blue runs back towards Klosters are beautifully groomed and wide enough to practise turns without feeling hemmed in. The Parsenn area also has some accessible blue runs, though they're longer and slightly more exposed. Building up to these over a few days gives beginners a real sense of progression and achievement.

WeSki insider tip: Madrisa's long blue run back to the village is one of the most scenic beginner-friendly descents in the region. Take your time and enjoy the valley views on the way down.

Intermediate skiing in Klosters

Intermediates have an enormous playground in Klosters. The sheer scale of the ski area means you'll rarely feel like you're skiing the same terrain twice, even over a full week. To start, the Parsenn area is laced with long red runs that flow beautifully, and you can clock up serious kilometres without repeating yourself.

Gotschna and Madrisa add further variety, with reds that range from wide motorways to narrower, more technical descents through the trees. The famous descent from the Weissfluh summit down to Küblis is over 12km long, dropping through changing terrain and giving you one of the longest continuous runs in the Alps.

WeSki insider tip: The Weissfluh-to-Küblis descent is best attempted mid-morning when the snow has softened but isn't yet heavy. It's a leg-burner, so pace yourself and stop at the Parsennhütte for a coffee halfway down.

Advanced and expert skiing in Klosters

Black runs here are sustained and demanding, with genuine steeps and variable snow conditions that require strong technique. Advanced skiers will find serious terrain on the Parsenn, particularly the steep runs from the Weissfluhgipfel and the challenging descents off the Gotschnagrat.

When conditions allow, the off-piste from the Weissfluh summit offers excellent freeride lines. The Jakobshorn sector, accessed from Davos, adds further expert terrain and a lively freeride culture. For those willing to hike, there are backcountry routes that reward the effort with untracked powder and dramatic scenery.

WeSki insider tip: The north-facing off-piste from the Weissfluhgipfel holds powder for days after a storm. Hire a local guide for the best lines through the gullies and open bowls.

Snowboarding in Klosters

Klosters’ long runs make for excellent snowboarding conditions, with pistes wide enough for proper carving. Varied terrain across five mountains keeps things interesting for boarders who like to explore. Freeriders will especially enjoy the natural terrain and off-piste options across the Parsen, and the Jakobshorn area in Davos is a freestyle hub, home to the Jatz Park with features for all levels and regular events.

Off-piste skiing

Klosters has a strong freeride pedigree. Terrain off the Weissfluh and Gotschna offers excellent off-piste potential, from open powder fields to steep couloirs. The north-facing aspects hold snow well, and after a fresh fall, tree skiing above Klosters is an atmospheric and rewarding experience. A local mountain guide is recommended for accessing the best backcountry routes safely.

Klosters snow school and lessons

Several ski schools operate in Klosters, offering group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. The Swiss Ski School Klosters is the largest, with a strong reputation for children's lessons and a dedicated learning area on Madrisa. English-speaking instruction is widely available across the ski areas here.

Klosters snow parks

Jatz Park on Jakobshorn is the main terrain park in the Davos Klosters area and one of the best-known freestyle parks in Switzerland. It features kickers, rails, boxes, and a halfpipe, catering to all levels from beginners to competition-standard riders. The park is well-maintained and hosts events throughout the season.

Klosters piste map

1. Klosters family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Klosters
3. Planning your trip in Klosters
4. How to get to Klosters
5. Klosters FAQs

Klosters family ski holiday

Klosters is well-suited to families who want quality skiing in a calm, traditional setting. Davos Klosters holds Switzerland's "Family Destination" seal of quality, and the infrastructure reflects it. The village is compact and walkable, a shuttle connects the hamlets to the lifts making it easy to move between ski areas without a car.

Madrisa is an excellent family mountain. The 90,000-square-metre Madrisa-Land adventure park sits at the gondola mountain station and includes activities in a contained, safe area. Alongside it, the Madrisa Park offers a Race Park and Kindercross where children can work on skiing through waves, jumps, and banked turns. Ski school runs from age three, and gentle slopes give younger skiers room to build confidence. Older children and teenagers will appreciate the freedom to explore the wider ski area: terrain parks on Jakobshorn, the long Parsenn descents, and the option of skiing the epic 2,000-vertical-metre run from Weissfluhjoch down to Küblis before catching the train back.

Off the slopes, the 8km toboggan run from Madrisa's Saaseralp down through the forest to Saas is a highlight, with sledges available for hire at the mountain station and shorter runs to add variety. The Eau-là-là adventure pool in Klosters has swimming, water slides, and a wellness area, and there’s also ice mini-golf, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and snowshoe hikes to fill rest days. Restaurants here are welcoming to families, and the relaxed atmosphere means children feel at home, whether it's a mountain lunch on Madrisa's sun terrace or an evening meal in the village.

Things to do in Klosters

Klosters rewards taking time away from the pistes. The village and its surroundings have a quiet elegance that makes rest days feel indulgent - whether you're exploring on foot, relaxing in a spa, or discovering the area's cultural side.

Snow activities

Beyond the pistes, Klosters' mountain setting provides a range of winter experiences:

• Cross-country skiing: Over 170km of groomed Nordic trails in the Davos Klosters area, including Olympic-standard tracks.
• Snowshoeing: Guided excursions through quiet alpine forests and open mountain terrain.
• Tobogganing: The Madrisa toboggan run is one of the longest in the region, running back to the village.
• Winter hiking: Well-maintained paths through the Prättigau valley with spectacular mountain panoramas.
• Ice skating: Outdoor rink in the village for relaxed skating sessions under the mountains.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights from the mountain for a bird's-eye view of the valley.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Traditional rides through the snow-covered valley - a romantic Klosters tradition.

Non-snow activities

For rest days, Klosters combines wellness, culture, and quiet sophistication perfectly.

• Spa and wellness: The Madrisa resort spa and several hotel spas provide excellent relaxation facilities.
• Kirchner Museum in Davos: World-class collection of expressionist art by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, inspired by the local landscape.
• Nutli Hüschi museum: Klosters' local history museum in a beautifully preserved 500-year-old Walser house.
• Shopping: Boutique shops in the village centre offering Swiss watches, local crafts, and alpine fashion.
• Scenic train journeys: The Rhaetian Railway runs through the valley, connecting to the famous Glacier Express route.
• Davos day trip: A short train ride away for additional shopping, the Eau-là-là water park, and the congress centre.
• Fondue evenings: Several restaurants host traditional cheese fondue evenings in atmospheric settings.

Klosters restaurants

Klosters' dining scene is refined and varied, reflecting the resort's understated sophistication. Traditional Swiss mountain cooking sits alongside more contemporary cuisine, and the quality across the board is high. Most restaurants are walkable from the village centre, and booking ahead is recommended for the more popular spots.

• Walserstube: Fine dining in a 16th-century Walser house, serving creative Swiss and international cuisine.
• Alte Post: A Klosters institution with classic Swiss dishes and a warm, traditional dining room.
• Chesa Grischuna: Legendary hotel restaurant known for its Bündner specialities and famous guest list.
• Höhwald: Mountain restaurant accessible by ski or foot, with panoramic views and hearty food.
• Parsennhütte: Historic mountain hut on the Parsenn, perfect for a long lunch mid-run.
• Casa Antica: Italian-Swiss restaurant with handmade pasta and a cosy, candlelit atmosphere.
• Gotschna Botta: Stylish mountain restaurant at the top of the Gotschna gondola with stunning views.

WeSki insider tip: Try Bündnerfleisch, the air-dried beef from Graubünden, served paper-thin as a starter. Paired with local Pinot Noir, it's one of Switzerland's finest simple pleasures.

Klosters après-ski

Après-ski in Klosters is sophisticated and relaxed. You’ll find friendly wine bars, cosy hotel lounges, and a handful of lively spots where the atmosphere builds naturally as the evening progresses. The crowd tends to be well-travelled and appreciative of quality over volume.

Village bars here fill up from late afternoon, and there's a pleasant buzz that carries into the evening without tipping into an all-out party scene. Several venues feature live music, and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you're after a bigger night, Davos is a short train ride away with more options.

Après-ski spots to know:

• Chesa Grischuna bar: The social hub of Klosters that’s intimate, atmospheric, and full of character.
• Gaudy's: Klosters' most well-known après bar with a loyal crowd and lively evenings.
• Cresta Bar: Hotel bar with a refined cocktail list and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Gotschna Terrace: Slope-side spot for afternoon drinks in the sun as the lifts wind down.
• Walserhof bar: Elegant hotel bar serving local wines and spirits in a quietly stylish setting.
• Piano Bar: Intimate venue with live music and an after-dinner crowd looking for a nightcap.

Klosters map

Planning your trip in Klosters

Klosters accommodation

Accommodation in Klosters ranges from luxury five-star hotels to comfortable three-star guesthouses and self-catering apartments. Hotels in Klosters typically offer high standards of service and comfort, and many include spa facilities and half-board options.

Klosters’ village is compact, and most properties are within a 10-minute walk of the Gotschna gondola. Around the main street, the central area puts you closest to restaurants, bars, and shops, while properties on the outskirts tend to be quieter with slightly more space. The Madrisa side of the village is a good option for families, with direct access to the family-friendly slopes.

Klosters ski pass

The Davos Klosters ski pass covers all five ski areas, Parsenn, Gotschna, Madrisa, Jakobshorn, Rinerhorn, and Pischa, giving you access to 266km of pistes. It's a single pass for the entire region, so there's no need to buy separate tickets for different mountains. The pass also includes the train connection between Klosters and Davos.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Klosters ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment hire

Several well-stocked equipment shops operate in the village, with options ranging from standard to premium equipment. Shops near the Gotschna gondola make for convenient collection and drop-off. Booking ahead during peak weeks ensures you get the right gear.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Klosters, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Klosters ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Klosters

Klosters is a small and highly walkable village. Most journeys on foot take less than 15 minutes. A ski bus connects the main areas to the Gotschna and Madrisa lifts, running regularly throughout the day. The train between Klosters and Davos runs frequently and is included in the ski pass, making it easy to explore the other ski areas. Taxis are available for evening transport, though most restaurants are within walking distance of central accommodation.

How to get to Klosters

Zürich airport is the most convenient gateway to Klosters, around 150km away. The Swiss rail network makes the train journey particularly appealing. The scenic ride from Zürich takes around two and a half hours and drops you right in the village.

Innsbruck airport in Austria is another option at roughly similar distance, while you also have Basel airport at around 230km away. For drivers, the route from Zürich follows the A3 and A13 motorways before turning into the Prättigau valley.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Klosters. Add them to your Klosters ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Klosters FAQs

Is Klosters suitable for intermediates?

Klosters is excellent for intermediates. The Parsenn area alone has dozens of long red and blue runs, and the 12km descent from the Weissfluh to Küblis is one of the longest runs in the Alps. With 266km of pistes across the full Davos Klosters area, you'll have more than enough terrain for a week.

How does Klosters compare to Davos?

They share the same ski area but have different personalities. Klosters is a traditional village with a quieter, more refined atmosphere, while Davos is a larger town with more nightlife, shopping, and facilities. Many skiers prefer Klosters as a base for its charm, using the train to access Davos's ski areas during the day.

Is Klosters expensive?

Klosters is a premium Swiss resort, and prices reflect that - particularly for dining and accommodation. However, the quality is consistently high, and the ski area represents good value given its size. Self-catering apartments and three-star guesthouses offer more affordable options without compromising on location.

Is Klosters good for families?

Very much so. The Madrisa area is specifically designed for families, with gentle slopes, children's areas, and the Madrisa-Land adventure zone. The village is safe, walkable, and has a relaxed atmosphere that suits families well. Several hotels cater specifically to families with childcare services.

What's the snow like in Klosters?

Snow reliability is generally good, with the ski area reaching up to 2,844m. North-facing slopes on the Parsenn hold their snow well, and the season typically runs from late November to mid-April. Snowmaking covers key lower runs, and the higher terrain receives generous natural snowfall.

Can you reach Klosters by train?

Yes, and it's one of the best ways to arrive. The Swiss rail network connects Zürich airport directly to Klosters via a scenic route through the Prättigau valley, taking around two and a half hours. The train station is in the village centre, making onward travel to accommodation straightforward.

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